One day a week can make a world of difference

Meat Free Monday celebrates five years

Today marks exactly five years since Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney launched Meat Free Monday in London’s St. James’s Park, along with host of celebrity supporters who were willing to help spread the word.

The awareness campaign has had an incredible response so far. Some of the world’s leading authorities on climate change have endorsed meat reduction as an effective way of fighting global warming, including former US Vice President Al Gore, Chair of the IPCC Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Lord Nicholas Stern and former UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor Sir David King. And a huge number of celebrities and high profile chefs back Meat Free Monday, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Leona Lewis, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Oliver, Joanna Lumley and Sir Richard Branson.

Paul McCartney expressed his thanks to everyone who supports the campaign and said: “Eating more fruit and veg, and less meat, is good for our health and good for the planet. With diet-related diseases on the rise, Meat Free Monday is more important now than ever.”

On six continents, in over 35 countries and 23 languages, people have taken the pledge to go Meat Free one day each week – making eating for a healthier lifestyle and planet a worldwide movement. From members of the Norwegian military to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture; the Hong Kong Airport Authority to Kuwait’s Ministry of Health, a diverse array of people and groups support the campaign. No matter where it’s happening, whether it’s called Lunes Sin Carne (Mexico), Meatless Monday (USA) or Luntiang Lunes (Philippines), skipping meat on Mondays is a simple step that can have a big impact.

“Happy fifth birthday Meat Free Monday!” said Mary McCartney. “It’s brilliant to see so many people embracing MFM and enjoying a break from meat at least once a week. I have noticed meat-free food options are more widely available than ever – flavourful and imaginative!”

Stella McCartney said: “After five exciting years since the launch of MFM, we thank you for all your support and encourage more change, so we can do such a small thing for such a huge cause! One day a week without meat is achievable for us all and we know you can do it to have better health and a better environment.”